Anxiety is a serious problem that is faced by all of us all throughout our lives. The reasons can be varied, from tensions and stress in professional as well as personal lives. Anxiety cannot be taken lightly in today’s world as it can lead to several other life-threatening conditions like heart attacks and high blood pressure. Many people are unaware that anxiety can be treated at home with the help of simple remedies. These remedies are very easy to use and do not have any side effects as well. Here are some wonderful remedies for anxiety that can be used by all and sundry.
Herbal Remedies For Anxiety
Passion Flower
A very calming remedy right from your garden, passion flower has the power to relieve anxiety and panic attacks. Take 700 mg of passion flower oil and mix with a cup of water. Take this in the morning for providing a peaceful and relaxed mind and body. Intake of passion flower is known to calm the frayed nerves and reduce the instances of anxiety greatly.
Chamomile
This calming and relaxing herb can be used for treating anxiety attacks as well. Take one tablespoon of chamomile and add to eight ounces of boiling water. Steep for about 15 minutes before you take this tea. Chamomile tea can be taken 3-4 times a day if you suffer from severe anxiety and panic attacks. Chamomile calms and sooths the mind and offers complete relaxation.
Green Tea
Green tea is a wonderful stress-busting herb that has many antioxidant qualities as well. Green tea protects the heart by reducing stress and anxiety and hence a wonderful remedy for those who are constantly troubled by anxiety and panic attacks. The only reason that this tea is not entirely suitable for everyone is the fact that it has caffeine, which may act as a stimulant in those people who have heart related ailments. Otherwise, green tea can be taken 2-3 times a day to reduce anxiety.
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo is a wonderful Chinese remedy that can be used for treating anxiety. Ginkgo is a herb that helps in increasing the blood circulation to the brain and this will in turn help in transporting more oxygen to the brain, making you feel well and energized. More oxygen to the brain will lead to reduced anxiety, stress and nervousness. Continue every day for best results.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm has relaxing properties and can be used for relieving anxiety and panic attacks. However, it may not be good for long term treatment. Lemon balm can be used when you have anxiety and do not have your regular medications in hand. It can act as a back up for treating nervousness and stress. Lemon balm helps in inducing sleep and can also be teamed up with other calming herbs like valerian, chamomile etc. Avoid lemon balm if you are pregnant, breastfeeding and have thyroid problems.
Feverfew
Used mainly as a cure for fever, feverfew is also an excellent remedy for treating anxiety. Feverfew helps in easing the pressure on the nerves and relaxes the brain and prevents delirium, tension, stress etc. However, it is advised that a herbalist is consulted to discuss the right dosage of feverfew as it has been known to cause several side effects and drug interactions as well. Feverfew may also not be safe for women who are pregnant and breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor about medications and conditions that you may be having before taking feverfew.
St John’s Wort
Through there are many controversial statements associated with the efficacy of this herb in treating anxiety and depression, it is still one of the best sought after herbal medications for treating anxiety in human beings. Intake of St John’s Wort, which is rich in bioflavonoids help in treating vascular problems like vascular fragility, varicose veins etc. Three grams is the normal dosage prescribed for inhibiting serotonin and dopamine in the body. However, the effect is slow and you need to take the herb for several months before any noticeable change surfaces.
Catnip
Catnip is a herb from Europe that has been widely used for the treatment of nerve related disorders like convulsions, pains, headaches etc. The herb can be used for treating anxiety and soothing the nerves as well. Catnip herb can be used for preparing a tea and the infusion can be taken 2 times a day to keep your nerves and anxiety to a minimal.
Valerian
Valerian is a natural sedative and may induce drowsiness when administered. Therefore, while using this remedy, make sure that you are either a home or do not drive or travel. The root extract can ease the symptoms of anxiety and insomnia and offer great relief and relaxation to the patient. As the actual plant can cause liver damage, valerian capsules and extract must be taken with caution and with the directions of a doctor. A dosage of 250-500 mg is normally considered safe. Valerian also improves the quality of your sleep and hence best for treating insomnia as well.
Motherwort
A safe herb for taking even during pregnancy, motherwort helps in stabilizing emotional disturbances and also soothing the stress and tension in your body. Motherwort acts as a sedative of sorts and provides relaxation to the person when administered. Also being an antidepressant, motherwort can induce a state of euphoria in the person, relieving the anxiety and stress that can affect your daily life. It is also a great remedy for heart palpitations, which can accompany anxiety.
Skullcap
Skullcap helps in enhancing nervous system health and also helps in the treatment of depression, tension, anxiety, headaches, agitation etc. It is a sedative and also has anti spasmodic properties. However, the herb might cause problems if taken in excess. Therefore, it is essential to consult a herbalist for the right dosage before you use skullcap as a herbal remedy for anxiety.
It is always better to consult a herbal practitioner before you take herbal medications of all types. Many herbal remedies have side effects that can even be life threatening and can lead to interactions with other medications and diseases that you could be having. Therefore, talk to a herbalist about all diseases and medications that you take, in order to avoid such complications.
